How to Find Your Personal Style
By Julia Howe
We are constantly bombarded with images of fashion, models, and brands. With the large community of social media and fashion influencers sharing their outfits and accessories, it can be hard to navigate the different trends and styles. Throughout my life, my style has changed with age as well as with the trends. This year, I have finally found my personal style. I have been able to filter through different trends and dress in what I actually love versus what’s “in.” Here are some ways I have found my style.
1. The first step to finding my personal style was looking at my wardrobe and finding my favorite pieces. When looking at my closet, I saw how I had been unconsciously developing patterns and trends in my shopping. I realized that most of my clothes were neutrals and plain. I also saw that I gravitate towards buying new pants versus shirts, and winter jackets are my favorite accessory. Once I sat down and thought about my wardrobe, I was able to name certain trends and styles that I could see in my clothes I already owned.
2. The next step for me was to find an influencer that has a strong sense of their own individual style that fit my aesthetic. You can look through YouTube, Instagram, or even Pinterest to find influencers that match your style. You can easily be inspired by their outfits and find their clothes when they tag brands.
3. Speaking of Pinterest, it is one of the most helpful tools for fashion discovery. If you continue to save certain pictures and styles, Pinterest will put new pictures and clothes on your home page. This allows you to stay in touch with new trends, but also see styles specifically gathered for you.
4. Another thing I found especially helpful was researching runways of my favorite designers from past and present. There’s nothing better than investing in a timeless piece that you will have forever. Purchasing older pieces is also smart and good for the environment.
5. Since quarantine began, I have decided to minimize my use of fast fashion as much as possible. This makes me think about the trends that I see on the internet more critically to see if I really want the piece in my wardrobe. By steering away from fast fashion, I am necessarily buying more expensive items. So, I’m more thoughtful in my shopping, and I will not splurge on a trend or an item that I know will not last me more than a year.
6. The most important thing to remember is to not put yourself in a box. Your style can change and fluctuate depending on your mood or the weather, and that is completely okay! To be a smart shopper is to really examine clothes to see if you love them and they will bring you joy. I have learned to not dress for others, and it has expanded my style more than I can say. Shop smart and be yourself!
